KORG TR-S Power Tube Reactor Owner’s Manual

June 12, 2024
KORG

KORG TR-S Power Tube Reactor Owner’s Manual
Power Tube Reactor

Precautions

Location
Using the unit in the following locations can result in a malfunction.

  • In direct sunlight
  • Locations of extreme temperature or humidity
  • Excessively dusty or dirty locations
  • Locations of excessive vibration
  • Close to magnetic fields

Power supply
Please connect the designated AC adapter to an AC outlet of the correct voltage. Do not connect it to an AC outlet of voltage other than that for which your unit is intended.

Handling
To avoid breakage, do not apply excessive force to the switches or controls.

Care
If the exterior becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners such as benzene or thinner, or cleaning compounds or flammable polishes.

Keep this manual
After reading this manual, please keep it for later reference.

Keeping foreign matter out of your equipment
Never set any container with liquid in it near this equipment. If liquid gets into the equipment, it could cause a breakdown, fire, or electrical shock. Be careful not to let metal objects get into the equipment. If something does slip into the equipment, unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet. Then contact your nearest Korg dealer or the store where the equipment was purchased.

THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for USA)
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

If items such as cables are included with this equipment, you must use those included items.

Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Notice regarding disposal (EU only)
If the symbol is shown on the product, manual, battery, or package, you must dispose of it in the correct manner to avoid harm to human health or damage to the environment. Contact your local administrative body for details on the correct disposal method. If the battery contains heavy metals in excess of the regulated amount, a chemical symbol is displayed below the symbol on the battery or battery package.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS
This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you reside.

WARNING: Use of this product in any country other than that for which it is intended could be dangerous and could invalidate the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. Please also retain your receipt as proof of purchase otherwise your product may be disqualified from the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. Company names, product names, and names of formats etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Main features

  • The PowerTube Reactor is an effects kit with a built-in Nutube.
  • With this kit, you can use the Nutube to recreate power tube sounds such as that of a guitar amp, to enjoy an authentic vacuum-tube amp sound.
  • The “sag” compression effect that occurs in a power tube is reproduced on this kit by using a Nutube vacuum tube, and thus a POWER SAG knob is featured on this unit to create three-dimensional sounds.
  • Add the rich harmonics of the Nutube for an authentic vacuum-tube amp sound.
  • This kit is easy to assemble. All you need to do is attach the bottom plate, the knobs and the rubber feet.
  • The four knobs are easy to operate, and you can turn the internal semi-fixed volume screws to create the settings you like to match the sound of your guitar.
  • This document includes a detailed circuit diagram, mounting diagram and list of parts, so you can fully customize this unit to meet your needs.
  • A tool and pick set to adjust the semi-fixed volume screws and the bottom plate screws is included with this kit. You can also use the included tools when you want to remove and modify the circuit board.
  • Affix the included stickers where you like to make this unit look just the way you want.
  • This sticker sheet includes hard-to-find stickers like the Keio Electronic Laboratories logo, an image of KORG’s legendary engineer Fumio Mieda and more.

About Nutube
Nutube is a new vacuum tube developed by KORG INC. and Noritake Itron Corporation and that utilizes technology from vacuum fluorescent displays. As with conventional vacuum tubes, the Nutube is constructed with an anode, grid and filament, and operates as a complete triode tube. Furthermore, it generates the response and same rich harmonic characteristics of conventional vacuum tubes.

If a strong impact is applied to this unit, high-frequency noise may be output. This is due to the structure of the Nutube; it is not a malfunction.

Specifications

  • Vacuum tube: Nutube 6P1
  • Connectors and jacks: INPUT jack (monaural phone jack), OUTPUT jack (monaural phone jack), DC 9V jack ( )
  • Power: 9V alkaline battery (6LF22/6LR61) (sold separately), or DC 9V AC adapter (sold separately)
  • Battery life: Approx. 5 hr. (Using an alkaline battery)
  • Current consumption: 85 mA
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 122 x 96 x 50 mm / 4.80” x 3.78” x 1.97”
  • Weight: 324 g / 11.43 oz. (without batteries)
  • Included items: Owner’s Manual, Sticker sheet, Tool and Pick set
  • Accessories (sold separately): AC adapter (DC 9V )
  • Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

Parts List

Product Parts

  1. Upper case Aluminum 1
  2. Lower case Aluminum 1
  3. Volume knobs 4
  4. Rubber feet Polyurethane 12.7 x 3.6 4
  5. Case screws Flat head screw, M3 4
  6. Tool and Pick set 1
  7. Sticker sheet 1

Checking the parts
Before assembly, make sure that all parts are on hand. Contact us at nutekt.org if any parts are missing or damaged.

Cautions Before Assembly

Be careful of injury when handling parts
Use caution not to injure yourself due to the protruding parts when handling the circuit board. Use cotton work gloves to protect your hands when working. Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after working.

Tighten screws at a perpendicular angle
Tightening screws that are inserted diagonally may damage the threads, making it impossible to tighten them again. Be sure to tighten screws so that they are inserted perpendicular to the surface. Use caution, as applying too much torque and tightening the screws too tightly may damage the parts.

Do not injure yourself or scratch the surface with the tools.
When using tools to tighten screws, make sure not to injure yourself, such as by getting your fingers pinched. Work carefully to avoid scratching the case or circuit board with the tools. Provide a sufficiently large work space to complete the assembly procedure, and prepare work mats so parts will not be scratched.

Avoid losing the screws
Handle the screws with caution, to avoid losing them. Do not use other screws aside from the ones included with this kit, and do not use the screws included with this kit for any other purpose.

Assembly

  1. Connect the battery and fit it into the battery space.
    Battery Installation
    Batteries are not included. You will need to purchase a commercially available 9V alkaline battery (6LF22/6LR61).
    Store the battery connector in the battery cushion if you won’t be using the batteries.

  2. Close the lower case [2], and secure it with the screws. Close the lower case and secure it with the case screws [5] in four places. Use tool [D] for this.
    Take care not to pinch the harness or other parts when closing the case.
    Screw Installation

  3. Attach the rubber feet [4] onto the lower case. Attach the rubber feet [4] onto the lower case as shown in the diagram.

  4. Attach the volume knobs [3]. Mount the volume knobs onto their spindles.
    Tip: The diagram below shows an easy way to position the volume knob when installing
    Shaft Instruction

Operation Check
When you have successfully finished assembling the unit, test its operation while reading “Part Names and Functions” on page 8 . If you have found any problems with assembly or operation, use the troubleshooting steps below.

Troubleshooting

There aren’t enough parts.

  • If you have lost some parts, contact us at nutekt.org.
  • Also, contact us at nutekt.org if any parts were missing or damaged before you started to assemble the unit.

I can’t assemble the unit, because I broke a part.

  • Please contact us at nutekt.org.

The unit makes an abnormal sound when I tilted it or shook it after assembly.

  • A loose screw or other part might be left inside the unit. Open the lower case and check the inside.

The volume controls or jacks are loose.

  • Make sure that the nuts are fastened tightly. Remove the knobs from the volume controls and retighten the nuts.
    • For the footswitch nut , use tool [A].
    • For the rear jack nuts, use tool [B].
    • For the volume nuts, use tool [C].

Part Names and Functions

Key Function Instruction

  1. VOLUME knob: Adjusts the volume.

  2. POWER SAG knob: Adjusts the simulated “sag,” meaning the compression sound created by power tubes.

  3. MIX knob: Adjusts the mix volumes of the direct sound and the Nutube sound.

  4. TUBE GAIN knob: Adjusts the vacuum tube input level.

  5. EFFECT ON/OFF switch: Switches the effector on/off.

  6. EFFECT ON/OFF LED: The indicator lights when the effector is on.

  7. Adjustable half-fixed volume screws: Use tool [E] to adjust these.
    TONE: Adjusts the attack feel.
    SUSTAIN: Adjusts the sag sustain time.
    THRESHOLD: Adjusts the level at which the sag effect begins to be applied.

  8. Window: Use this to check how the Nutube is lighting up. To adjust the adjustable half-fixed volume screws (TONE, SUSTAIN, THRESHOLD), use the special adjustment screwdriver that’s included in the tool and pick set. When using a metal screwdriver or similar tool, the Nutube lighting may change or blink. if the metallic part of the screwdriver touches the frame of the case while you’re making adjustments.

Recommended Settings
General Tube Sound for Single Coil
Single Coil
This is a tube sound that works well with single-coil pickups. Use this in conjunction with overdrive and connect as follows. Guitar → overdrive → this unit → guitar amp In this case, adjust the overdrive output level so that the Nutube on this unit goes dark at the moment that you play. This gives you a vacuum tube sound even when you’re playing with a transistor-type guitar amp or when playing through a line output.
The adjustable half-fixed volume settings are shown below.
TONE: 12 o’clock; SUSTAIN: 8 o’clock; THRESHOLD: 11 o’clock

Jazz Backing for Humbucher
Jazz Backing for Humbucher

This sound works well with jazz backing riffs played on a humbucking pickup. Try playing some of the great songs of the past with this setting. The adjustable half-fixed volume settings are shown below.
TONE: 10 o’clock; SUSTAIN: 9 o’clock; THRESHOLD: 10 o’clock.

List of mounted parts

Part number| **Circuit number| ****Part name| ****Rating| Quantity**
---|---|---|---|---
1| IC2| Regulator IC| R1154H036B-T1| 1
2| IC6| DC/DC Converter| XC9143B10DER-G| 1
3| IC1, IC3-4| Operational amplifier| SO8412P-TH-WS| 3
4| Q3-4, Q6| Transistor| 2SC2712-BL| 3
5| Q8| Transistor| 2SA1162-GR| 1
6| F1-2, F5| J-FET| 2SK209GR| 3
7| D3-4| Switching diode| 1SS355| 2
8| D2| Schottky barrier diode| RB160L-40TE25| 1
9| ZD1| Zener diode| GDZJ4.7C| 1
10| L3| Inductor| SMTDR32-2R2M| 1
11| EMI1-6| Inductor| BLM18BD102SN1D| 6
12| C46| Ceramic capacitor| 10pF| 1
13| C16, C24, C38| Ceramic capacitor| 100pF| 3
14| C11, C32| Ceramic capacitor| 1000pF| 2
15| C23| Ceramic capacitor| 2200pF| 1
16| C9, C31, C33-34| Ceramic capacitor| 0.01μF| 4
17| C25| Ceramic capacitor| 0.033μF| 1
18| C8, C12-14, C18, C28-30, C37, C41| Ceramic capacitor| 0.1μF| 10
19| C6, C35| Ceramic capacitor| 1μF| 2
20| C39| Ceramic capacitor| 4.7μF| 1
21| C40| Ceramic capacitor| 10μF| 1
22| C3| Electrolytic capacitor| 0.1μF25V over| 1
23| C1, C5, C17, C21-22| Electrolytic capacitor| 1μF25V over| 5
24| C20, C36| Electrolytic capacitor| 10μF16V over| 2
25| C2, C15| Electrolytic capacitor(NP)| 10μF16V over| 2
26| C10, C26| Electrolytic capacitor| 47μF16V over| 2
27| C4, C7, C19, C42, C44| Electrolytic capacitor| 100μF25V over| 5
28| R8, R10, R28| Resistor| 0Ω| 3
29| R35| Resistor| 22Ω| 1
30| R17, R65| Resistor| 100Ω| 2
31| R31, R34, R37, R52, R54| Resistor| 330Ω| 5
32| R2, R9, R11, R16, R18, R30, R59| Resistor| 1kΩ| 7
33| R27| Resistor| 2.2kΩ| 1
34| R24| Resistor| 8.2kΩ| 1
35| R13-15, R19, R21, R26, R33, R38, R42, R45-47, R49, R56, R170| Resistor| 10kΩ| 15
36| R32, R84| Resistor| 15kΩ| 2
37| R1, R4-5, R20, R22, R41, R70| Resistor| 22kΩ| 7
38| R12, R25, R39-40| Resistor| 33kΩ| 4
39| R3| Resistor| 47kΩ| 1
40| R23, R29, R85| Resistor| 100kΩ| 3
41| R57-58| Resistor| 220kΩ| 2
42| R71| Resistor| 330kΩ| 1
43| R6-7, R51| Resistor| 1MΩ| 3
44| CN1| Board-in harness| 6 wire| 1
45| CN2| Connectors| B6B-PH-K-S| 1
46| CN3-4| Connectors| B8B-PH-K-S| 2
47| DC1| DC jack| LD-0202AH-2.0-03A| 1
48| PH1-2| Phone jack| LJB0664-6| 2
49| V1| Nutube (Vacuum tube)| Nutube 6P1| 1
50| VR5| Volume control| 1K B| 1
51| VR6| Volume control| 20K B| 1
52| VR1, VR3| Volume control| 100K B| 2
53| VR2, VR4(SUS- TAIN), VR9, VR11(ATTACK)| Trimmer Potentiometer| 10K B| 4
54| VR7| Trimmer Potentiometer| 50K B| 1
55| BATT1| Battery snap| —| 1

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